Apartments/Neighborhoods for Single Female Student with Dog (Chicago, Oak Park: rental, school)

[ock17]

Hello,

I'm moving to Chicago to attend school, situated near IIT (32nd and S Michigan Ave). I am from small-town WI, and while I've lived in Minneapolis I would not call myself city-savvy. Chicago seems like a different [big & scary] world! I have a 40lb dog who will be moving with me. I will be living alone and I'm very wary of safety.

I'm open to living in the city or in the burbs, but...
I want to feel (BE) safe on 6am/10pm dog walks, and on my commute to school (mostly during normal rush hours, but anticipating occasional late nights).
My budget is $1000/mo
I'd like to keep my commute under 45 min using public transportation. 30 minutes is ideal.
In the city, walking distance to necessities (groceries, a good gym). If in the suburbs, I will have a car.
Plenty of coffee shops around for late-night studying, wouldn't mind a smaller neighborhood feel and other students around (I am in my early 20s).

So far I'm considering Oak Park, University Village, and Lincoln Park (top of my budget). Do you have input on good rental agencies or other neighborhoods to consider?

Thanks kindly for your input!

[rlowes]

I'm not sure about the other 'hoods, but $1000 is low for Lincoln Park, it's maybe doable for a studio. Especially with your dog, at least in the Lincoln Park / Lakeview area, know that for every 1 place that allows a dog, there are about 5 places which don't. You might need to be ready to settle during your search, if it's nearing to your move-in date and you still haven't found somewhere "perfect"...

[i_am_hydrogen]

You should be able to afford a 1-bed in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Great hoods with plenty of amenities. Some apartment websites to consider:

Trulia.com
Zillow.com
Chicago Reader

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by rlowes

I'm not sure about the other 'hoods, but $1000 is low for Lincoln Park, it's maybe doable for a studio. Especially with your dog, at least in the Lincoln Park / Lakeview area, know that for every 1 place that allows a dog, there are about 5 places which don't. You might need to be ready to settle during your search, if it's nearing to your move-in date and you still haven't found somewhere "perfect"...

$1000/month is not low...I would say most 1 bedrooms are $1000 - $1200 there and you can easily find a studio in the $775-$950 range.

[citylove101]

You might also take a look at Bridgeport, which is not too far west of IIT, fits your price range, and is msotly walkable. It does not have the glitzier vibe of Lincoln Park or Lakeview -- a lot of it is more "old school" Chicago. But it could work for you.

[ock17]

Thanks all for the input! I will be keeping all your input in mind as I look these next few months!